It is difficult to calculate the average settlement for a slip and fall. Many factors affect recoverable damages from this type of personal injury.
You may want to talk to a slip and fall lawyer about pursuing damages for a slip and fall accident. Each state has different statutes of limitations, or deadlines, for taking legal action. You deserve to know your legal options before time runs out.
How You Could Recover Damages for a Slip and Fall
Negligence can cause slip and fall accidents. Property owners owe their visitors or customers a duty of care to provide a safe environment without hazards. If a property owner becomes aware of a hazard, they have a legal duty to repair or remove the hazard in a reasonable time.
You could recover damages for slip and fall injuries if the property owner did not uphold this duty of care.
Some of the most common factors in a slip and fall accident include:
- Torn, damaged, or broken sidewalks, floors, or carpets.
- Uneven floors without warning signs in place.
- Defective or damaged steps or ramps.
- Debris or material blocking aisles, walkways, entrances, or exits.
- Spills from rain, snow, ice, or other liquids.
- Missing or flimsy handrails.
- Unsafe lighting conditions.
Private and commercial property owners have the same obligation to provide and maintain a safe place for you to enter.
Your Right to Seek Damages
You can generally pursue damages from a negligent property owner if the property owner breached their duty to provide a safe environment. Most states usually define a person’s status on the property as either an Invitee, Licensee, or Trespasser. Please give our office a call to discuss your claim in further detail.
Your Injuries Affect a Slip and Fall Settlement
Slip and fall accidents can result in severe and life-threatening injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are a leading factor for traumatic brain injuries.
Other common injuries from a slip and fall include:
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Sprained, twisted, or torn soft tissue
- Cuts or lacerations
- Spine injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal bleeding with organ damage or loss
Always get medical care immediately after any slip and fall. Sometimes, it takes a few hours or days to notice symptoms once the shock and confusion wear off. If you did not see a doctor immediately after an accident, schedule an appointment right away.
Liability in a Slip and Fall Settlement
Liability can be another factor that makes it difficult to determine an average settlement for a slip and fall.
Several qualifying factors that determine liability in a slip and fall include:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care as an invitee or licensee to ensure the premises were safe to enter.
- The property owner knew about hazards or had the ability to make necessary changes or repairs.
- The property owner failed to repair or warn you about this hazard, causing you to be injured.
- You have damages resulting from these injuries.
Depending on your situation, there may be more than one liable party.
Who to Find Liable for Your Slip and Fall
Several parties may be liable for your damages, including:
- The property owner.
- The property or business operator.
- Maintenance company or caretaker of the property.
- Company or individual who rents or leases the property.
A slip and fall lawyer can identify all liable parties and communicate with them on your behalf. Their assistance lets you focus on your health while you recover from your injuries.
Common Damages in a Slip and Fall Case
Some of the most common types of damages available in a slip and fall case include:
- Ambulance trip
- Urgent or emergency case
- Hospitalization
- Follow-up or rehabilitative care
- Lost time at work because of injuries
- Prescriptions
- Medical equipment or adaptive devices
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Each case is unique, and you may have additional or different damages than those listed here.
Call for a Free Case Evaluation
If you were injured in a slip and fall, you could qualify for damages from the liable party. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ today at (713) 850-8600 for a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
